Delphi Method: Pre-Assessment of Instrument in Health Education Services

Objective: The objective of this article was to obtain a qualitative assessment instrument that was capable of analyzing the possibility of members of different foreign communities having become “passive smokers” during the period of isolation imposed by SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19). Theoretical Framework: The article uses the Delphi Methodology pre-test to evaluate activities related to social isolation, for the adaptive and work capacity of communities, to identify the perception of members of different cultures during this period, especially in relation to passive smoking. As well as the use of the homeopathic anamnesis itself to guide the understanding of the pattern of illness and assist in indicating the appropriate medication for each individual treated by the Homeopathy Service that encompasses the partnership of the Gaffrée Guinle University Hospital with the 7th Ward of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methodology: The Delphi method consists of a series of carefully prepared questionnaires to be answered individually and anonymously, especially in the first round. The results obtained are analyzed by the researchers, observing trends, disagreements and possible justifications for the answers obtained, and thus understanding the profile of the members and groups. Results and Discussion: The evaluation of the pre-test prepared aimed to identify methodological errors in its preparation, in addition to verifying whether transparency was maintained with the members of other peoples involved, this time a specific community with different habits, customs and language. The Delphi method proved to be effective as a methodological proposal for qualitative research, since the pre-test evaluating the prepared instrument allowed for a greater understanding of the habits of different cultures during the period of social isolation. The preliminary results indicate that there was no addiction, use of tobacco or passive exposure to smoke during this period. Furthermore, it showed that each ethnic group developed its own behavior based on the habits of its own culture. The Delphi method was able to personalize and enhance the care and complaints of these oriental patients in the 7th ward of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia, where we provide our homeopathic clinical care. Implications of the research: The Delphi method enriched the knowledge of specialists regarding the cultural values of some ethnic groups, reported here on the group formed by three Pakistanis, which allows us to better understand their demands and needs, facilitating and humanizing the medical care itself. Originality/value of the research: There are few reports on the pre-testing of the Delphi method specifically in health services and applied in foreign communities, it is unknown. Therefore, the present work brings a new proposal for ethical evaluation of the profile of patients in a specific way, thus allowing a better doctor-patient interaction without any type of embarrassment and without violating the code of medical ethics (silence and confidentiality) and bioethics in qualitative clinical research for human beings.